*This story has been updated to clarify some details about the nature and cost of programmes.
A small group of Kiwi kids have taken their passion for football further after they were selected to play football in Barcelona.
Barça Academy, the junior programme associated with internationally recognised football club Barcelona FC, held a week-long experience camp for young football players in both Wellington and Auckland in January for people between four and 18 years of age.
In some cases, players can be selected to travel to Barcelona to play in the academy's World Cup, right next to where the first teams train and where La Masia, FC Barcelona's youth academy, competes in its domestic leagues.
Seven-year-old Viggo was selected to play at the Barça Academy World Cup after being scouted at the Auckland camp.
Viggo's dad, Eftim Stojanov, said he would even consider moving to Europe for his son's career.
Photo: Supplied
He said the world cup selection was confirmation of the talent his son displayed on the field.
Eight-year-old Shera is also going to be playing in Barcelona.
Shera's dad, Jackie Seo, said the experience camp in Auckland not only brought out Shera's passion for the game, but her personality as well.
Photo: Supplied
Aldric Miró, technical director of Barça Academy Camps in New Zealand, said the camps aimed to share FC Barcelona's style of play as the sport continued to grow here.
"New Zealand is a growing market, not only from a business perspective, but also in its increasing interest in soccer," Miró said.
"The club recognised an opportunity to bring the camps back to a country that has made significant strides in developing first-class facilities."
Miró said Barça Academy offered New Zealand kids who love football the chance to experience what it's like to be a Barça player for a week.
He also said the club was taken back by the skill level of young New Zealanders.
"While we initially expected an average level of play, we've been impressed by the talent we've seen in Wellington and Auckland."
Miró said the club plans to return to New Zealand in January 2026.
Football New Zealand technical director Andy Boyens said that while the growth of the sport had attracted international attention, for some families, the cost meant it wasn't as simple as heading overseas to play.
The cost of the week long experience camp in New Zealand was $1149, and if a child is selected to play in overseas academies there could be additional tournament costs, as well as for flights and accommodation.
He said it was important parents understood that these academies were also businesses.
"Sometimes it is commercial motives, rather than player development motives."
Boyens said while it provided a fun experience, there were many opportunities in New Zealand that supported young players too.
He said Football New Zealand was proud of the broad, grassroots system here.
"We have over 450 clubs across the country that deliver quality football," Boyens said.
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